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"What happened to the security detail?"

"Not to worry Their headaches will be historic, though"

"The shift changes at two, in case you ondering"

Michael looked at his watch "Ninety minutes Plenty of time, I’d say"

"What for?"

"A conversation"

"What did you do with our oil?"

Michael frowned at the gun "Iof which, I brought you a present" Michael gestured toward his pack on the floor "Do you mind--?"

"Oh, please, make yourself at home"

Michael removed a bottle, wrapped in stained oilcloth He uncovered it and held it up for Peter to see

"My latest recipe Should strip the lining right off your brainpan"

Peter retrieved a pair of shot glasses from the kitchen By the ti chair to the small table in front of the sofa; Peter sat across froe cardboard folder Michael cut the wax on the bottle, poured two shots, and raised his glass

"Compadres," he said

The taste exploded into Peter’s sinuses; it was like drinking straight alcohol

Michael smacked his lips appreciatively "Not bad, if I do say so"So, did Dunk send you?"

"Dunk?" Michaela very long sith his cronies"

"I suspected as uns?"

"You left out the part about what they’re for"

Michael picked up the folder and untied the cords He withdrew three docule sheet of paper, covered in handwriting; and a newspaper The masthead said INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE